Thousands expected to demonstrate at Arpaio's tent city

PHOENIX --Thousands of demonstrators are expected to flood the area around Sheriff Joe Arpaio's tent city jails Saturday evening to protest conditions at the facility and the Sheriff's immigration policies.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office expects up to 4,000 people to show up for the protest, and in accordance closed the jail to all visitors on Saturday.

Reverend Peter Morales, the president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, said the group is demonstrating "to bear witness against the inhumane policies and the clear violation of fundamental civil rights."

The Sheriff said his tents are safe and humane and to prove it he will give some of the demonstrators a tour at 6:45 pm. Puente Arizona, SOMOS America and Defense of the Barrios are among the groups expected to protest.